A Journey of Faith and Perseverance
From a young age, Reverend Jody Betten felt a profound calling to the pastorate — a calling she was told was not meant for girls. Undeterred by societal expectations, she embarked on a career in education, but the pull towards spiritual leadership persisted. Reverend Jody earned her Master of Divinity from Western Theological Seminary and was ordained in the RCA, the Reformed Church in America, in 1996. Her early years in ministry were marked by a commitment to inclusivity and justice, principles that she carried into every facet of her work. Her staunch defense of a ministerial colleague and seminary professor — who bravely officiated his daughter's same-sex marriage — resulted in heresy charges, a challenging ordeal that concluded with an admonition, but ultimately reinforced her resolve to advocate for love and equality. In 2012, Reverend Jody found her spiritual home in the United Church of Christ, where she received the Privilege of Call. Since then, she has never looked back, dedicating herself to serving both large and small congregations with fervor and a deep sense of mission. Today, she works for the UCC as an Intentional Interim Minister, a role she considers her favorite calling. In this capacity, Reverend Jody thrives on guiding congregations through significant transitions, nurturing their growth towards a more vibrant and inclusive expression of faith. Reverend Jody describes her greatest challenge as the need to "stay in the moment." This philosophy not only reflects her personal mindfulness but also underscores her approach to ministry: being fully present with and for her community in every interaction. |
Peter Black
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Jeff Spangler
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The Heart Behind the Desk
Julie Ridl joined the Douglas United Church of Christ team as the Administrative Assistant in December 2019, bringing with her a rich background in marketing communications and a knack for storytelling. Known affectionately at her previous agency as the "Chief Empathic Officer," Julie has a proven track record of developing effective communications strategies for a diverse range of organizations. Her ability to empathize and connect makes her a perfect fit for the nurturing environment of our church. Before joining the administrative staff, Julie became a member of Douglas UCC in 2017, quickly identifying it as her "happy place." Her deep connection to the community is evident in the passion and enthusiasm she brings to her role. Whether drafting our E-Pistle, managing social media posts, or handling day-to-day interactions with congregants, Julie employs every medium — from typescript to X (formerly Twitter) — to tell our church's stories engagingly and authentically. Julie's role as Administrative Assistant goes beyond typical clerical work; she is the linchpin in our communication efforts, ensuring that every message from Douglas UCC resonates with warmth and inclusivity. Her work not only supports the operational needs of our church, but also enhances our mission of building a welcoming and connected community. At Douglas UCC, Julie Ridl continues to put her considerable skills to work for the betterment of her community, making sure that every member feels heard, valued, and connected. Her dedication and professional expertise are vital in helping Douglas UCC thrive as a beacon of faith and fellowship in our community. |